Martinez Plans Early Mexico Arrival Ahead of Berchelt Clash

By Jake Donovan

Well-versed in the art of fighting on the road, super featherweight titlist Roman “Rocky” Martinez is already thinking ahead for March 12 mandatory defense versus Miguel Berchelt. The bout is due to take place in the challenger’s backyard of Merida, Mexico.

Martinez won the title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Orlando Salido last April in Puerto Rico, but has yet to defend the title at home. His first defense was a rematch with Salido, fighting to a disputed draw last September in Las Vegas, Nevada.

For this venture, the defending champ plans to arrive upwards of a week in advance of the forthcoming title fight, which will air live on TV Azteca in Mexico and beIN Sport Español in the United States.

“Rocky is training hard, as always, to get in the best condition for this fight and bring another victory to Puerto Rico,” notes Peter Rivera, vice president of Puerto Rico Boxing Best Promotions (PRBBP). “We hope to go to Merida between Sunday, March 6th or Monday 7th to acclimate Rocky there. Although we know that Merida is at sea level, we want Rocky sit well with the weather too.”

Such plans are contingent upon approved travel itinerary from Promociones Zanfer.

The Mexico-based company claimed promotional rights to the fight after securing the highest purse bid amount during a session held in New York City last month. PRBBP initially protested the purse bid of the belief that Berchelt (28-1, 25KOs) was given the mandatory position merely by appointment rather than through merit.

Berchelt has won each of his last six starts – all by knockout. However, he’s yet to a post a major win over a notable opponent, nor did he win a sanctioned eliminator to earn such a ranking, thus the basis for the official appeal filed by PRBBP.

The case was reviewed by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), who recognizes Martinez as its 130 lb. champion and Berchelt as the mandatory contender. The appeal was ultimately rejected earlier this month, after which PRBBP agreed to proceed with the fight as planned.

Martinez (29-2-3, 17KOs) is currently on his third tour as a super featherweight titlist. His first reign began and ended in the United Kingdom, dethroning Nicky Cook with a 12-round win in their March ’09 title fight on the road in Manchester England. His stay as champ lasted 18 months before conceding the crown to Ricky Burns in a Sept. ’10 thriller in Glasgow, Scotland.

Two fights later, Martinez reclaimed his old belt in a 12-round split decision win over Miguel Beltran Jr. in their Sept. ’12 vacant title fight. His second reign lasted just 14 months before suffering a 9th round knockout at the hands of Mikey Garcia in Nov. ’13.

The loss was followed by a 13-month break before returning to the ring in Dec. ’14, quickly followed by the aforementioned career-resurrecting win over Salido.

Whereas he’s previously traveled to hostile territory with little company in tow, a larger support base is planned for this upcoming road trip.

“We also hope they (Promociones Zanfer) send us the date of Rocky's flight because there is a group of Puerto Rican fans who will make the trip to Mexico to see the fight,” Rivera points out.

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox